THREE loyal workers who have been at Crowngate shopping centre since day one were celebrated in a special ceremony.

The shopping centre is celebrating 25 years since it opened. Steph Clifford, Melvyn Jordan and Pete Smith have been with the centre every step of the way.

The trio were presented with plaques and thanked for their services by Crowngate management and the Crown Estate, the centre’s owners.

Mr Jordan, who works in the environmental team, said: “The management here are really helpful if you have any problems and they look after their staff.

“I used to work full-time here, but I have an autistic son and Crowngate were really good at helping me to sort out my hours when I became part-time.

“There are not many companies that are so flexible.”

Ms Clifford, a cleaning supervisor, said: “Although there are lots of different companies working here, it feels like everyone is here as one.

“There is a really good atmosphere here and I do enjoy being a part of it.

“I didn’t expect to get anything for the 25 years’ service, so it was a nice surprise.”

Mr Smith, a security supervisor for Crowngate, said: “It is a really great place to work. On the security side of things it is open 24 hours a day now – not the shops but the car park – so we have someone on duty 24/7 365 days a year.

“The centre is covered by CCTV now which makes our job easier. The management offer a lot of support to their staff.”

Nicole Campbell, asset manager at the Crown Estate, said: “On behalf of Crowngate shopping centre and the Crown Estate, I am delighted to be recognising Pete Smith, Steph Clifford and Melvyn Jordan for 25 years of service.

“They have each played a key role in ensuring our customers have had a safe and enjoyable experience at Crowngate. I’d like to extend a personal thank you to them for all their hard work and congratulate them on their achievement.”